Martinelli, Trossard lead Arsenal to 2-0 Champions League win
Arsenal kicked off their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Athletic Club in Bilbao, thanks to goals from substitutes Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
For much of the match, the Mikel Arteta’s squad found it difficult to create clear scoring opportunities.
However, after the departure of summer signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze, Martinelli was subbed in and found the back of the net just 36 seconds later. He latched onto a ball over the top from Trossard in the 72nd minute, securing the breakthrough goal.
Martinelli soon returned the favor, setting up Trossard for the second goal. The Belgian’s deflected shot left Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simon with no chance. In a tightly contested match, the offensive spark from Arsenal’s substitutes proved to be the decisive factor.
The Gunners, who were semifinalists in last season’s competition, showed their characteristic defensive strength against an Athletic Club side making their first Champions League appearance in 11 years.
Despite the combative play from the Basque team and the intimidating atmosphere at San Mames, Arsenal, with Declan Rice back in the starting lineup, managed to secure all three points and a perfect start to their European journey.
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